St David's Day Celebrations 2026

The National St David’s Day Parade in Cardiff

The yearly event creates a party atmosphere in the centre of Cardiff. You can expect to see the national dress, flags flying and performances from a giant dragon.    

Everyone is encouraged to take part in the celebration of Welsh heritage and culture, meeting by Cardiff City Hall from 12pm, with the parade starting at 12.30pm. 

The procession finishes outside St David’s Hall, where a rousing mass rendition of the national anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, is sung at 1pm. 

Taste of Wales Afternoon Tea

Te Blas Cymru Y Prynahwn 

Using local produce and flavours throughout the selection, you can dine on delicate finger sandwiches (brechdanau), homemade sweet and savoury scones (sgons) and homemade cakes (cacennau) including Welsh cakes and bara brith. The afternoon tea is served daily between 1pm-5pm on slate picnic stands. Plus, enjoy unlimited tea (te) or coffee (coffi).

From £21 per person | £10.50 for under 12s

£31 per person with 2 hours of bottomless Prosecco

Experience Welsh Culture in Cardiff

Wales, a land of myth and legend, is steeped in a rich cultural tapestry that captivates visitors from around the globe. And where better to immerse yourself in the heart of Welsh culture than its vibrant capital city, Cardiff?

Whether you're a history enthusiast or a culinary connoisseur. Experience the magic of Cardiff, where the past meets the present in a symphony of culture and tradition.

Free entry into all CADW sites

To celebrate St David’s Day the 16 CADW sites that usually charge admission, offer free entry. It is a great opportunity to explore the rich history at the heritage sites and take in some of the legendary monuments. 

In Cardiff, you could visit Castell Coch, which is Welsh for the red castle. It is found in north Cardiff surrounded by a breath-taking forest, which has two walking routes to explore. Or in a nearby town, Caerphilly Castle, which is the second largest in the UK.

Visit the National Museum of Wales

Adults who visited during the 80’s and 90 famously remember the giant Woolley mammoth; however, art lovers know it for having the largest collection of impressionist paintings outside of Paris, including works by Renoir and Monet. The elegant museum also has interactive natural history and geology collections, which children love too. 

The museum is situated in the heart of Cardiff City Centre and offers free entry throughout the year.

Try a traditional Welsh meal

Try some homemade, traditional food at Thomas Restaurant. The whole ethos is about using local, fresh produce to give you a true Taste of Wales. You can expect a whole variety of dishes, including vegan and gluten-free options.

Favourite local dishes include Welsh Cawl, a lamb stew with crusty Bread, and Welsh Rarebit served with chilli jam. It is also an opportunity to try local drinks, including Double Dragon from the Felinfoel Brewery, Penderyn Whiskey and Gin, and Barti Spiced rum.

St David's Day Run

The 2026 race takes place at Bute Park

The St David's Day Run is your chance to be part of a race that celebrates Wales. Held in the stunning grounds of Bute Park in Cardiff. Enjoy an incredible party atmosphere and pass by some of Cardiff's historical landmarks. Choose from a 5k, 10k or a half-marathon run, or a mini run for little dragons. 

You can even run in fancy dress; so put on your Welsh rugby jersey, traditional dress or bring your blow-up dragon, or don your leeks and daffodils.

Loving Welsh Food Tour

If you’re looking to soak up the sights, sounds and, most importantly, flavours of Wales, then a Loving Welsh Food Tour is the perfect way to do it.

Run by passionate foodies, this award-winning tour company specialises in showcasing the very best of Welsh produce, culture and hospitality. From artisan cheeses and freshly baked Welsh cakes to locally brewed ales, ciders and spirits, each tour is a delicious journey through Wales’ culinary heritage.